Falcao played his part in La Liga's historic night on Sunday as he struck five goals for Atletico Madrid against Deportivo la Coruna.

As Leo Messi broke the record for goals in a calendar year, the Colombian became the first player in a decade to score five goals in a game.

Falcao now has 16 goals from 15 games, and is the second top scorer in La Liga behind Leo Messi.

"I scored five in a game when I was little in Bogota," the Colombian known as "the tiger" he told Atletico's website.

"And I got four playing for Porto against Villarreal but never five as a professional. I was very excited when I came to Atletico Madrid. It was a personal challenge to play in this great league with such a lot of good players.

"I am enjoying it. I have a great squad around me who are supporting me and helping me a great deal to develop as a professional."